Police: Butler mother attempted to burn down home with children inside
A Butler mother attempted to burn a North Chestnut Street house down Saturday, June 14 with herself and two children barricaded inside, according to police.
Tanya Marie Richter, 36, locked one child out of the home, located within the 300 block of North Chestnut Street, before starting a fire and bringing two other children to the attic, where she attempted build a barricade, Butler City police said in charging documents filed Sunday, June 15.
Richter was charged with seven felony counts of aggravated assault, one felony count each of arson, risking catastrophe and child endangerment, and one misdemeanor count of resisting arrest following the alleged incident.
Police said they were dispatched for a report of a mother, found to be Richter, attempting to light a house on fire with children inside after she was reportedly seen lighting matches.
Police entered the home and cleared the first floor. They reported visible smoke in the air and a strong odor of burning before ascending to the second floor where they heard a voice call for help from the attic.
Police said they entered the attic to find Richter barricading the door and saw two children screaming and crying in the corner. One officer reportedly carried the two juveniles outside while the others placed Richter into custody.
Police said Richter kicked three officers and bit one on the hand, breaking the skin, while being placed into custody. Richter also kicked two officers again when they attempted to place her in the patrol vehicle, according to the criminal complaint.
Police said the child, who was allegedly left outside, reported Richter kicked him out of the house before the incident. The child reported seeing Richter lighting matches and towels on fire.
Officers also found burnt papers inside the front door and on the kitchen counter, and a cell phone battery in a cup of water on the kitchen counter.
Richter’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. June 23 before District Judge William Fullerton. She’s being held in Butler County Prison on a $250,000 bond.
